BIOCYT Biología Ciencia y Tecnología

Biotechnology in crude oil recovery: an innovative appriach

Mary Elizabeth Sánchez Labrada — 2025-12-13

Enhanced oil recovery is a set of techniques designed to increase the amount of oil that can be extracted from a reservoir. Traditionally, crude oil extraction only recovers approximately 30-50 % of the oil, which highlights the need for alternative techniques. In this situation, the use of microorganisms for MEOR (Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery) has emerged as a promising and sustainable option. Oil microbiology plays a crucial role in this process, as certain microorganisms are capable of altering the physical and chemical properties of crude oil, thus facilitating its extraction. The introduction of these biotechnological practices not only optimises the recovery of non-renewable resources, but also presents a less invasive alternative compared to traditional methods. Hence, the objective of the research was to evaluate the efficiency and performance of different microorganisms in enhanced oil recovery at laboratory scale and under reservoir conditions. For this purpose, characteristics of interest such as wettability to rock, packed column testing and fluid-fluid compatibility were evaluated in each of them, obtaining favourable results during the research.

The brain-eating amoeba: Naegleria fowleri

Ismael Castelan Ramírez — 2025-12-05

Naegleria fowleri or the “brain-eating amoeba,” is a microorganism that inhabits warm waters. This amoeba can enter the human body, invade the brain, and cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a lethal infection with a mortality rate higher than 98%. Although the presence of this and other potentially pathogenic amoebae has been reported throughout Mexico, only a few medical cases have been documented. Nevertheless, it is essential to prevent contact, mainly by avoiding swimming in contaminated waters, keeping swimming pools properly chlorinated, using nasal plugs, and promoting awareness campaigns. Since no effective treatment currently exists, prevention remains the best strategy.

The importance of urban artificial water bodies in the conservation of waterfowl

Marcos Hernández López — 2025-12-02

Las áreas verdes urbanas y periurbanas son espacios dentro de las ciudades con vegetación como árboles, arbustos y plantas— que ofrecen funciones de recreación, conservación ambiental, refugio de fauna silvestre e investigación. En los últimos años, han adquirido gran relevancia por su papel en la conservación de la biodiversidad, ya que actúan como islas de vegetación que albergan una amplia diversidad de organismos y preservan fragmentos del ecosistema original, especialmente cuando incluyen cuerpos de agua naturales o artificiales, como lagos, lagunas, humedales y estanques.

Dentro de estos espacios, las aves acuáticas destacan por su importante función ecológica, participando en la dispersión de semillas, el control de insectos y especies acuáticas, y el aporte de nutrientes al medio. Su presencia está estrechamente relacionada con la calidad ambiental del hábitat, por lo que son consideradas indicadores del estado ecológico. Sin embargo, factores como la caza ilegal, la pérdida de hábitat por urbanización, la contaminación y la introducción de fauna exótica o feral (como los gatos) han provocado la disminución o desaparición de muchas poblaciones.

Dado su valor ecológico, los cuerpos de agua artificiales, como los humedales urbanos, han empezado a ser reconocidos en convenciones internacionales de protección de flora y fauna. Aunque puedan parecer de escasa relevancia ambiental, su conservación es fundamental, ya que suelen ser los únicos refugios disponibles en la mancha urbana para muchas especies de aves desplazadas.

En conjunto, las áreas verdes con cuerpos de agua, sin importar su origen, cumplen una función esencial en la conservación de la biodiversidad urbana, al ofrecer hábitats alternativos y contribuir al equilibrio ecológico dentro de las ciudades.

Influence of silver Nitrate Concentration on the Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles.

Adolfo Segundo Gonzalez — 2025-12-02

The concentration of silver ions can directly affect the size, concentration, and shape of nanoparticles, making it an important parameter during their synthesis, particularly in the nucleation and stabilization stages, as it influences their properties, such as antibacterial activity. In this study, the effect of five silver nitrate (AgNO₃) concentrations on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles was compared, using the extract of red pomegranate arils as both reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and an inhibition assay against two phytopathogenic bacteria to evaluate their antibacterial activity. The results showed that the green-synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited a broad absorption peak ranging from 355 to 430 nm, indicating the presence of various particle sizes. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were able to inhibit the growth of both phytopathogenic bacterial strains. The nanoparticles synthesized with 1.25 mM AgNO₃ showed the highest inhibition against both phytopathogenic bacteria.

The probiotic role of Lactobacillus acidophilus and its application in the food industry: a scoopy review and scientometric analysis

Susana Lara González — 2025-11-12

Currently, many diseases are attributable to intestinal microbiota dysfunction. Therefore, it is desirable to strengthen the consumption of functional foods that benefit intestinal health. This scoping review and scientometric analysis aimed to synthesize the current literature on the metabolism of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and its role as a probiotic in the food industry. A search was conducted on the metabolic pathways reviewed: glycolysis, lactic acid fermentation, fatty acid and phospholipid biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, amino acid catabolism, the purine and pyrimidine pathway, and secondary metabolism (bacteriocine, dextran, acetic acid, B vitamins, and aldehyde). The foods offered by the industry include yogurt, cheese, orange juice, dairy snacks, coffee pulp, cereal bars, and rice bran. The benefits that microorganisms bring to food include improved organoleptic characteristics, shelf life, and functional and nutritional value. They also allow for the creation of a healthy microbial ecosystem that enhances the growth of beneficial bacteria, contributing to the consumer's intestinal well-being. Therefore, they represent a fundamental element at the intersection of science, health, and food technology.

Incidence of vulnerable species in coastal fisheries using purse seine, mainland Ecuador

Ingrid Saa — 2025-09-01

Fishing with purse seine coastal is carried out in continental waters, mainly in the Gulf of Guayaquil. Being a multi-species fishery, it can negatively impact non-target species, including vulnerable species (e.g., sharks, marine mammals). The incidence of chondrichthyans (i.e., sharks, rays, and manta rays), mammals (sea lions, dolphins, and whales), turtles, and seabirds were determined, as was the modal value of the number of individuals recorded, the months with incidence, and the relative frequency (i.e., percentages). For the most representative species, a comparison of the annual incidence and a time series analysis were performed. The incidence of chondrichthyans was low (mode = 1 individual) and sporadic (between 1 and 5 months with incidence), with four species observed. Mobula birostris showed the highest number of incidences. A total of seven species of marine mammals and five sea turtles were reported. Otaria flavescens and Chelonia mydas had the highest incidences (90% of the total months). The incidence of seabirds was composed of 29 species; Fregata magnificens, Pelecanus occidentalis and Sula nebouxii had the highest values. The incidence patterns of F. magnificens and P. occidentalis were similar, as were those between O. flavescens, S. nebouxii, and the target fishery. The results indicate that purse seine fishing does not represent a threat to vulnerable species, as zero mortality was reported. On the other hand, the incidences of O. flavescens and S. nebouxii can be used for fishery management in the coastal purse seine.

Bacteria resistant to mercury, isolated from the Bay of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca

Gabriela Ruiz-Agudo — 2025-11-03

The goal of this research was to identify mercury-resistant bacteria in water and sediment samples from four points on the main beach of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca. The samples were inoculated on Zobell Marine agar plates supplemented with 10, 25, 50,100,150 and 200 μg/L of mercury chloride (HgCl2) and without mercury (control). Pure strains were identified using the API ® 20 NE system and APIWEB™ software. To determine the growth of the strains, the generation time (g), number of generations (n) and growth rate (k) were estimated during 24 hours of culture at the aforementioned mercury concentrations. The results obtained showed that at all sampling points, mercury-resistant bacteria were identified in both water and sediment at the different concentrations tested. The most representative species were: Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia spp, Pseudomonas acidovorans, Pseudomonas luteola, Pseudomonas cepacia Sphingomonas trueperi and Sphingomonas spp. The results regarding bacterial growth at different concentrations of HgCl2 showed that all the isolated strains obtained good growth, however, it was Pseuomonas cepacia that presented the best results, especially at the highest concentrations, so said strain could be evaluated and used in bioremediation processes for mercury contamination in the marine environment.

Healthier axolotls to probiotics: a solution for preserving an endangered species

Arlette Esmeralda Rodríuez Chávez — 2025-10-23

¿Sabías que?, el ajolote (Ambystoma mexicanum), también conocido como axolotl, es un símbolo de resistencia, particularmente de la Ciudad de México, estos animalitos son reconocidos como una especie carismática y representativa de la biodiversidad en la región central del país. Posiblemente viste la película Animalia en Australia, pues bien, ahí el personaje más carismático, es un oso koala, llamado Chico guapo, y todos los asistentes del zoológico se sienten atraídos por ese personaje, del mismo modo, los ajolotes gozan de gran simpatía entre las personas. Sin embargo, la normatividad mexicana lo cataloga como una “especie que corre alto riesgo de desaparecer en nuestro planeta, debido a la disminución de su población, la contaminación, el cambio climático y la introducción de especies exóticas a su hábitat.

Effect of different colored light on motor activity and adult emergence in Tenebrio molitor pupae

Zyanya Mayoral-Peña — 2025-10-20

Light is a factor that influences the physiology and behavior of insects. Although pupae have traditionally been considered unreceptive to external stimuli, recent studies have shown that they are capable of detecting light signals. In this study, the effect of different wavelengths of light (red, green, blue, infrared, and white) on abdominal motor activity and the adult emergence rate in Tenebrio molitor pupae was evaluated. Five experimental groups of 12 pupae each were exposed to LED light for 14 minutes. Both abdominal movements and the proportion of individuals that reached adulthood were recorded. The results indicated that blue light, and to a greater extent, white light, elicited a significant motor response in T. molitor pupae (p < 0.001), demonstrating differential sensitivity to these wavelengths during the pupal stage. In contrast, no significant differences in emergence rate were observed between treatments (p = .441), suggesting that 14 minutes of exposure to LED sources does not affect adult development. These results show that T. molitor pupae perceive and integrate specific light stimuli. Furthermore, abdominal movements resulting from exposure to white and blue LEDs suggest that their use at this stage could be useful for investigating sensory integration during metamorphosis. Future studies could explore their potential for analyzing early cognitive processes in holometabolous insects.

Spatio-temporal variation of juveniles of shrimp (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in the Mandinga Lagoon System, Veracruz, Mexico

Asela del Carmen Rodríguez-Varela — 2025-10-14

Juvenile shrimp have a wide geographic distribution that encompasses the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This study presents the spatio-temporal variations of white, brown, and pink shrimp juveniles in this system, characterized by habitats dominated by shallow waters and submerged vegetation. Shrimp were collected annually between 2008 and 2015, and density and biomass were used to determine their distribution. Physicochemical data from the collection sites obtained in situ are provided. Three species were identified: Penaeus aztecus, Penaeus duorarum, and Penaeus setiferus. Juvenile shrimp were collected in all sampling cycles, although fluctuations were observed over time, with the lowest density and biomass recorded in 2015 and the highest values in 2009 for both variables. Spatially, La Redonda lagoon and the areas north and east of Mandinga, where submerged aquatic vegetation is abundant, stand out. However, in the case of brown shrimp, the southern region of Mandinga is also important, although with less vegetation. Shrimp are spatially distributed along a salinity gradient, with mesohaline, shallow, and warm waters prevailing. The abundance of larval and juvenile shrimp stages suggests that shallow water habitats with submerged vegetation act as functional nurseries in the Mandinga lagoon system, Veracruz, Mexico.

DNA under attack: How plants deal with and repair genetic damage.

Estefany Damaris Guerrero-Molina — 2025-09-20

Plants are resilient organisms that have developed multiple mechanisms that allow them to cope with the environmental conditions of their surroundings. Many of these mechanisms focus on the perception and repair of genetic material, which contains all the information necessary for an organism's life.

This article illustrates how plants respond to genetic damage caused by factors such as UV radiation, reactive oxygen species and pollutants. Focus is put on describing the DNA repair mechanisms plants have developed. Additionally, it explores the evolutionary significance of these processes and their application in crop genetic improvement. Conclusion is centered in highlighting the potential of these strategies to achieve more resilient agriculture.

¿How long does it take for a tadpole to become a frog or toad?

Iran Luna Vivaldo — 2025-09-20

Have you ever wondered how long it takes for a tadpole to become a frog or toad? To begin with, tadpoles are the offspring produced when a male and female mate to produce offspring of both frogs and toads. Amphibians are prominently represented by frogs and toads, and they are so named because they spend part of their lives in water (tadpoles) and part of their lives on land. They undergo a phenomenon called "metamorphosis," the biological process of their development. The young and adults appear to be completely different animals due to the many drastic changes in their bodies as part of their life cycle. This process can last different times depending on the species of toad being studied.

It all begins when the tadpoles hatch from an egg, either from a frog or a toad, which can be in water or on the leaves of plants (Figure 1).

During tadpole growth, the process of metamorphosis takes place. The tadpole grows, followed by the formation of hind legs, followed by front legs, then the absorption of a tail, and finally the formation of a fully terrestrial frog or toad capable of hopping. After copulation in anuran amphibians, the female releases eggs, which go through different stages of development. When the eggs begin to develop into embryos, the organisms about to be born can often be easily observed. Once born, frog and toad embryos look completely different from adults, resembling a fish more closely than an adult frog or toad. After birth, tadpoles continue their growth process through the biological phenomenon of metamorphosis. They develop hind legs, then front legs, acquire a tail, and then prepare to emerge from the water as small frogs and toads onto land to continue their life cycle to adulthood. This entire process can take anywhere from a few days to months for species.

For example, the red-eyed green frog takes approximately 44 days, and for toads like the Mesoamerican cane frog, it can take as little as 27 days. However, factors such as temperature and food availability can shorten or lengthen metamorphosis times, resulting in small specimens measuring just a few centimeters, identical to adults, known as post-metamorphs.

Precise tools for early gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis.

Damián Sánchez Ramírez — 2025-09-03

Early diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors is crucial for improving patient survival. Traditionally, histopathology has been the gold standard for diagnosis. However, identifying specific biomarkers, such as those derived from the gut microbiome, tumor microenvironment, and liquid biopsy analysis, is now revolutionizing the field of early detection. Additionally, using tissue microarrays, immunohistochemistry, and computational pathology combined with machine learning is transforming the analysis of histopathological images. By identifying subtle patterns in images, these tools can improve diagnostic accuracy and discover new biomarkers associated with prognosis and targeted therapy. The convergence of traditional histopathology, molecular biology, immunology, and artificial intelligence is creating a promising landscape for the early and precise diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors.

Characterization of nesting sites and fecundity of the olive ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea in the Puerto Arista Beach Sanctuary, Chiapas, Mexico

Andrea de los Ángeles Corzo-Domínguez — 2025-08-27

On the beaches of Chiapas, in the southern Mexican Pacific, three of the seven sea turtle species present in Mexico nest, with Lepidochelys olivacea being the most frequent. The selection of nesting sites by sea turtles is often associated with environmental factors such as sand type, humidity, beach slope, temperature, among others. The present study was conducted at the Puerto Arista Beach Sanctuary, Chiapas, Mexico, and aimed to characterize, during the rainy and dry seasons, the nesting sites of L. olivacea in terms of humidity, granulometry, microtopography, and vegetation cover; as well as the relationship with the fecundity of nesting females during the year 2022. It was found, within three evaluated transects, that turtles prefer to nest in areas with medium-type sand, humidity less than 30%, with a gentle and shallow slope, as well as a higher nesting frequency in the rainy season, especially in the period from August to November. With this study, it is expected that the knowledge of the nesting site conditions and their effect on fecundity will contribute to planning the conservation of this species.